That wind-sound feeling starts fast. This Mykonos sail cruise mixes Delos ruins with a proper swim stop, all on a spacious yacht with a friendly crew.

What I like most: you get a history stop that doesn’t eat your whole day, and you also get real water time at Rhenia. The onboard BBQ lunch is included, and the vibe stays relaxed rather than frantic.

One thing to consider: the sea can get choppy on the way back, and getting on and off the boat may feel tricky if you have mobility issues.

Key Highlights That Matter Before You Book

• Delos first, then Rhenia: you see the big-ticket ancient site before the swim breaks up the day.
• Choose your Delos style: go with a professional guided tour, or self-walk the ruins and shop for your own pace.
• Snorkeling support included: snorkeling equipment is provided, plus swimming noodles or life vests for less-confident swimmers.
• BBQ lunch onboard: grilled meats, veggies, Greek salad/tzatziki, and fruit—served right where the views are.
• WiFi on board: useful if you’re trying to find your bearings on Delos or keep loved ones updated.
• Spacious deck time: you’ll have room to lay back and relax, not just shuffle around.

Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia: The Big Idea

This is a day trip that’s built around a simple formula: ancient Greece first, ocean time second. You start in the morning from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, sail over, and then split your time between the UNESCO site of Delos and the swimming-friendly waters near Rhenia.

It’s also designed for real comfort. The yachts used by the Greece sailing by Chios Yachting team are wide and extra-comfortable for the group size, and they keep things casual. Even the little details—like having life vests available and giving you a QR code for the safety and itinerary notes—make the day feel smoother than many “big sight + big boat” tours.

And yes, you get lunch as part of the ride. That matters more than it sounds, because it keeps you from spending your time at the wrong place with an empty stomach.

Getting Onboard at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis: Quick Setup, Then Sail Time

You meet at Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00 and start around 9:30 am. If you add pickup, the transfer typically meets you 30–60 minutes before the cruise start, and the driver contacts you the evening before.

Once you’re on board, a crew member handles the basics: safety instructions and the flow of the day. You can also use the QR code onboard to review the itinerary details at your own speed.

A few practical points before you step aboard:

• You’ll be barefoot on the boat for safety and comfort reasons.
• Life vests are available if needed or requested.
• Bring swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen. It’s easy to forget sunscreen until you’re already out in the sun.

Stop 1: Agios Ioannis Diakoftis Board-and-Sail Start

This first segment is short, mostly about getting you settled. You’re on the boat early enough that the cruise feels like it’s actually part of the experience—not just an expensive taxi to the first stop.

You’ll start the sailing experience almost immediately, which is great if you’re the type who gets bored waiting around. Also, because you’re out on the water, the day’s pacing tends to feel “earned,” not rushed.

Stop 2: Ancient Delos (UNESCO) and Your Two Options for Seeing It

Delos is the reason most people book. It’s a 3500 BC UNESCO monument, connected to Greek mythology—one of the big themes is Apollo’s birthplace.

Here’s how the time works:

• You stop at Delos for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
• You can choose a professional guided tour (available for 45 euros per person, pre-reserve and pay in advance), or you can self-walk the ruins.
• You also have a third option in practice: if you’d rather not go ashore, you can stay on board for swimming and sunbathing at a nearby bay.

So you’re not locked into one rigid plan. That flexibility is a big value for mixed groups—say, if some people want the full interpretive story and others want to keep it lighter.

What I’d do if you love ruins but don’t want to burn out: go ashore for the self-walk portion, then rely on the guide context you get from the crew when you’re back onboard. One review highlighted that the guide gave helpful context you wouldn’t get on your own, which is exactly what makes Delos click.

What to watch out for: Delos can be hot and tiring under direct sun. Even when you’re excited, it can become a lot of walking in exposed areas—especially if your group also wants to check shops near the museum.

Stop 3: Rhenia Island Swim Stop, Snorkeling Gear, and BBQ Lunch

After Delos, the cruise shifts into “ocean day” mode. Rhenia is where the trip turns into something you’ll remember with your senses: salt water, sun, and that easy back-and-forth between the boat and the sea.

This stop is about 2 hours 30 minutes, and it includes:

• Swimming (or just floating if that’s your speed)
• Snorkeling gear (complimentary)
• BBQ lunch served onboard
• Extra support like swimming noodles or life vests for non-confident swimmers

The water here is described as acting like a natural pool. That’s a huge advantage for snorkeling and casual swimming because it tends to feel more manageable than open-water conditions.

The onboard lunch: what you actually get

The sample menu is straightforward and food-forward:

• BBQ mains: grilled pork skewers plus beef and lamb kebabs
• Grilled vegetables: eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and more
• Salad starter: Greek salad
• Tzatziki (spread)
• Mixed rice with veggies and seasonings
• Dessert: seasonal fruit salad

And you’ll have something that’s easy to appreciate: lunch is coming to you on the boat. No hunting for food after hiking Delos—no timing stress.

A small but real comfort factor

One review noted water vending machines near the Delos museum shop, which is helpful context for planning if you’re doing the ashore time. Basically: bring a refill plan. If you’re spending time walking Delos, hydration matters.

Stop 4 and 5: Sailing Back and a Short Extra Delos Approach

After Rhenia, you sail back toward the meeting point. The timeline includes a return sail segment (about 1 hour) and another Delos sail-by segment (about 40 minutes) before you fully head back.

That’s not just filler. It gives you more time to enjoy the coastline and the feeling of moving through the Cyclades rather than checking boxes.

If the sea is rough, this is where you’ll notice it most. One review mentioned choppy water on the way back and that many people got sick since they’d eaten right before the sail home. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead—bring travel sickness meds if that’s part of your routine.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For (Then How to Compare Upgrades)

The base price is listed at $151.16 per person, and the duration is about 6 hours. That’s a fair number if you compare it to the cost of:

• transportation by boat,
• lunch onboard,
• and the value of having Delos handled with either a self-guided plan or an add-on guided tour.

But the key thing to understand is what’s included vs. paid separately.

Included

• Lunch buffet onboard (BBQ & veggies)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Coffee, tea, refreshments
• White and red wine, beer, and water
• WiFi on board
• Tour escort/host and personal insurance

Not included

• Delos entrance fee: 20 euros per person
• Professional guided tour at Delos: 45 euros per person
• Hotel pickup/drop-off: roundtrip 20 euros per person
• Alcoholic cocktails beyond what’s listed as included can be purchased

Upgrade choices: how to decide fast

• If you already know your way around Delos, skip the guided tour fee and use self-walk time.
• If you want Delos to make immediate sense, consider paying for the guided tour. Even with self-walking, the crew’s interpretive context helps a lot.
• If you’re staying far from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, pickup can save you stress (especially if you’re dealing with luggage or cruise-day timing).

Service and Crew Vibe: Why the Reviews Cluster Around the Same Things

Most of the strong feedback centers on the crew and the way the day feels “taken care of.” Names that show up include Dimitri and Thomas, and Marissa is mentioned in connection with making sure the group got to the yacht even when transport wasn’t straightforward.

This is exactly what you hope for in a half-day cruise:

• they’re attentive without smothering you,
• they help people who need a hand,
• and they keep the day organized so you don’t spend your time chasing the schedule.

If you want the relaxed, family-friendly tone, that’s also part of the pattern here. One review even said it wasn’t a party boat—more families and a mix of ages—so the boat feels like a day out, not a loud scene.

The Swim, Snorkel, and Deck Reality: Comfortable, But Still Respect the Sea

The day is built for lounging and then jumping in. The crew encourages swimming and offers gear, and there’s enough space to lay back and relax.

But two realities to keep in mind:

• You’ll be on a yacht, so sea conditions can change. Choppy water can happen, especially on the return sail.
• Getting on and off the boat may be tricky if you have mobility needs. One review specifically flagged the lack of a fixed gang plank and said that while the crew helps, it’s not the smoothest boarding experience.

If you’re comfortable moving around boats, this tour hits a great balance. If you rely on stable steps or have limited mobility, you’ll want to think hard before booking.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend Your Trip Shopping)

Pack like you’re doing a morning-and-afternoon beach day with ruins added in:

• Swimsuit
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• A light jacket if you’re visiting in cooler shoulder seasons (early/late season note)
• A way to keep essentials dry if you plan to snorkel

Also bring a valid phone number for updates. The boat and transportation details depend on being reachable.

And when booking, you’ll need to provide passport/ID or driving licence details for personal insurance.

Who This Delos and Rhenia Sail Works Best For

This fits best if you’re trying to get both sides of Mykonos:

• the culture hit (Delos),
• and the water day (Rhenia).

You’ll likely love it if you’re traveling with a mixed group—some people want ruins, others want swimming. The self-walk option and the onboard alternative let you keep everyone happy without splitting the day into awkward factions.

It’s also a solid choice if you want your day to feel efficient. About the only “catch” is that Delos is hot and walking is real, so pace yourself.

Should You Book This Cruise? My Practical Take

Book it if you want:

• Delos without turning the day into an all-day grind,
• a real swim/snorkel stop with support for different comfort levels,
• and an included BBQ lunch that arrives right on schedule.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if:

• you’re highly sensitive to motion sickness and don’t usually tolerate boat rides,
• you have mobility limits and rely on very stable boarding steps.

For most people, this is a smart value: you’re paying for the boat, the food, the water time, and the Delos logistics—then deciding how much guided structure you want once you’re there.

FAQ

Is lunch included on the Mykonos Delos and Rhenia sail cruise?

Yes. A lunch buffet is included onboard, featuring BBQ and grilled vegetables, along with salad/tzatziki, mixed rice, and fruit.

Do I need to pay extra for Delos entrance or a guided tour?

Yes. The Delos archaeological entrance fee is listed as 20 euros per person, and the professional guided tour at Delos is available for 45 euros per person (pre-reserve and paid in advance).

Is snorkeling equipment provided at Rhenia?

Snorkeling equipment is included. If you’re not a confident swimmer, the crew can provide swimming noodles or life vests.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Pickup and drop-off are available for an additional cost of 20 euros per person roundtrip, arranged by request and paid on the spot. The transfer typically arrives 30–60 minutes before the start time.

What time does the cruise start and where do I meet?

The start time is 9:30 am, and the meeting point is Greece Sailing sail cruises, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00, Greece.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You should also expect to be informed the evening before about possible itinerary changes.